In the digital age, the art of photography has benefitted hugely from the booming popularity of social media, as taking and sharing photographs is now a part of everyday life.

The tools needed for photography are also more accessible than ever before. Aside from the high-quality smartphone cameras, digital cameras are still as popular, and even polaroids are making a comeback!

Nowadays, it is easier than ever to take a photograph wherever you are and at any moment thanks to the integrated cameras on our handheld devices.

Facebook and Instagram are fast becoming places for amateur photographers to find inspiration and share their art. And another advantage to the internet is the availability of online photography courses which can help you develop your artistic eye and produce better results.

1. You Can do it Anywhere!

In the modern age, there are many options for those who opt for comfort by using smaller devices such as compact digital cameras and smartphones.

Using smaller and easily portable devices will remove the stress that comes with transporting and carry larger cameras, as well as increasing your photo opportunities.

As the quality and functional capabilities of smartphone cameras continue to evolve, simply using a smartphone to capture images can produce impressive results.

So, if you’re new to the world of photography, starting out with a smartphone isn’t a bad idea!

2. See the World from a New Perspective

How much attention do you pay to your surroundings?

When you’re on your morning commute, lunchtime stroll and walking the dog, the sights you see may seem all-too-familiar, but if you look a little closer, you can find something interesting in everything – it could be architecture, shop fronts, nature or even other people.

See your morning stroll in a new light ¦ source: Visualhunt

In the time before you take a photograph, you’re on the lookout for a precise detail or amusing situation to capture.

Working towards an objective as a photographer will make you more alert as you take note of the elements you may have previously dismissed altogether.

3. Stand Out on Social Media

Are you going after a large number of likes on your page or hoping to gain followers? Maybe you simply want to impress your friends on social media.

There is no better way of showcasing your artistic skill and eye for photography by sharing your pictures on the internet.

Even if you’ve never had a photography lesson or attended any photography workshops, many of us use Instagram filters on a regular basis – so why not take this to the next level by signing up to a digital photography course?

4. Express Yourself

There is a large number of people with unseen artistic talent – they may not even be aware of this themselves.

The traditional methods of expressing oneself through speech and writing neglect the thoughts and emotions of those who lean to artistic outlets.

On the other hand, capturing on camera a certain situation, landscape or person can give you a means of sharing a part of yourself with others. Your creative photography may act as an indicator of your mood or a part of your personality you want to share.

For this reason, the art of taking pictures can help you unveil your true self without having to be explicit.

5. Immortalise Special Moments

Holidays, family reunions, birthdays, proud moments… our lives are marked by a multitude of defining moments.

One of the best ways to remember these special moments forever is to capture them on camera so that they are always there to be relived in the future.

However, you’re the only person with the power to truly immortalise the events that are special to you, and knowing how to do so in such a way that captures the essence of the event will make the memories all-the-more special.

6. For a Sense of Achievement

Of course, even learning the basics of photography demands a lot of time and determination.

However, some of the most fundamental photography techniques can be incredibly effective. Even if you only learn how to use the rule of thirds in your composition or to adjust the shutter speed, attending a photography class or tutorial can give you useful camera tips and tricks to change the way you use a camera.

Simply focussing on an object and increasing depth of field can make for professional-looking results.

Looking over the work you have produced will bring you a big sense of satisfaction, which will only motivate you further in your learning.

7. To Earn an Income

Mastering the art of photography is a great way to top up your income.

There are many big occasions which people like to have photographed, such as weddings, awards ceremonies and birthday parties.

Get paid for capturing special memories on a digital camera ¦ source: Visualhunt – Harald Felgner

If you’re thinking of becoming a professional photographer and even starting your own photography business, it’s up to you to find the right professional photography training so that you have all you need to earn a living shooting photographs.

If your interest in photography is more casual, your talents will still be in-demand as an amateur photographer. Hiring amateur photographers is a popular option for those with limited budgets, and it may even give you a taste of entrepreneurship.

8. Challenge Yourself

Mastering the art of photography involves overcoming many challenges.

You can assign challenges to yourself, such as photographing one stranger every day, snapping the largest variety of flowers, or observing the ripening of a fruit through a lens.

You can also join in with collective challenges! Whether a challenge takes place on social media or blogs, there is a large number of photography challenges.

The duration of these tasks also varies. They may last for a week, a month or several years!

9. Make Your Mark on the World

Sharing photos is a method of leaving traces of yourself wherever you go.

Your personal collection of photographs will tell a story of where you have been, your most treasured memories, and the world in which you live.

Everyone enjoys discovering old photographs taken by their parents or grandparents of their hometown and family life, and in decade’s time, your own children could be appreciating your photographs in the same way!

10. Meet New People

An original look, a kindly face, the body langue between two people, an atypical couple… all it takes is a simple “excuse me, would you let me take your photograph?” and a connection is made!

The majority of people, if they’re not too shy, are flattered upon hearing these words and are delighted to model for photographers. This unusual first encounter could lead to further conversations and even unlikely friendships with people from all walks of life.

And if you’re single, consider this an opportunity to meet potential partners!

11. To Protest

Have you ever felt strongly about a political or social issue and wanted to speak out about it?

Photography is an excellent medium to share your views, condemn injustices and fight for causes that are close to your heart.

Taking photographs while you’re travelling, at demonstrations or in a certain situation is one of the best ways to get your voice heard and provoke a reaction from those who see your photographs.

12. Explore Various Photography Techniques and Styles

Are the terms HDR, backlight and long exposure completely new to you? If so, learning about photography can open up a whole world of possibility where vocabulary such as tilt-shift, panorama and DSLR is second nature.

The techniques, equipment and styles described by these expressions all represent an aspect of your learning during your time at photography school.

The beauty of photography is that there is no end to the amount of vocabulary and therefore concepts you can learn about. You can practice your photography skills for years and years, yet there will still be plenty for you to discover – meaning that there is no risk of boredom!

So whether you enjoy landscape photography, portraiture, street photography, travel photography, or you want to learn more about commercial photography, photojournalism, the history of photography and using Adobe photoshop lightroom, receiving expert photography instruction from a professional will give you the opportunity to explore every aspect of photography.

13. Find New Opportunities

Many of us dream of partying all night long, visiting new places or receiving VIP treatment, but our financial situation is standing in our way to realising it.

Getting into photography may mean that you never miss a special event again!

As a photographer, your photographic and technical skills will be in high demand, so you can swap your snaps for experiences and combine your love for photography with your other passions!

14. Develop Your Observational Skills

How much attention do you pay to your surroundings when you’re out on a stroll or going on an adventure?

Learn to think like a photographer ¦ source: Visualhunt

If you have a bad habit of ignoring the wonders of nature and forgetting to look out for unusual or impressive scenery, learning photography might make you more alert to your own creativity and help you see familiar environments in a new light.

15. Decorate Your Home

We all want our living spaces to be nicely decorated, but too many people hang tattered film posters and low-quality framed pieces in the haste to achieve a beautiful home.

Learning how to take good photographs that hold some meaning to you can help you create a living space that reflects your personality and interests.

So, have these fifteen reasons convinced you to have a go at photography? There are many avenues you can follow if you’re looking for photography lessons with an experienced instructor, and there are plenty of opportunities to practice your photography skills between your sessions!

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Imogen

I'm an active energetic person. I enjoy long-distance running and have taken part in many organised events including the 2016 Prague Marathon. I'm a keen skier and love open-water swimming, when the weather is right!